GPS | Evolving Consumer

Nikon Changes it Up

There is no shortage of rugged cameras on the market, and while most of these can endure an adventure these often leave something to be desired when it comes to photos. Fortunately Nikon has realized that a point-and-shoot camera in a rugged body simply won’t do.

The company has introduced the Nikon 1 AW1, the world’s first waterproof and shockproof interchangeable lens camera. This is the latest addition to the camera maker’s popular Nikon 1 system that offers versatility with functionality. It is waterproof to 49 feet, shockproof to about six and a half feet and freezeproof to 14 degrees. In other words you might give up before the camera does! Continue reading Nikon Changes it Up

Sigma ROX On

The Sigma ROX 10.0 will help you find your way on the bike. The company’s first GPS-enable bike computer supports ANT+ plus offers route guidance and navigation, in addition to speed, cadence, altitude and heart rate functions.

It features a 1.7-inch LCD display with a reported “super bright “backlight, plus the computer is compatible with ANT+ power meters for added training data. It also comes with Data Center 3 software that can be used to download and analyze ride data, create routes or share your rides on any site that uses .FIT or .GPX files.

The Li-ion battery is charged with a standard micro USB cable and promises 13-plus hours of use per charge.ROX on!

Sigma ROX 10.0 GPS Official Website

Interbike 2013: Pioneer Starts a Dual

Pioneer is looking to power up, or rather have cyclists get in the power know with its new power meter system and cyclocomputer, which made their debut at last week’s Interbike trade show. This new robust system is the first to ever achieve on-bike, real time, dual-leg pedaling power measurements and analysis that graphically illustrates left and right power output, as well as pedaling stroke efficiency, power loss, force vector analysis and torque.

The SGX-CA900 Cyclocomputer and SGY-PM900H79 Pedaling Monitor/Power Meter Sensor can track cadence and heart rate; GPS positioning, speed, distance and elevation gain/loss; and even barometric pressure and ambient temperature. The system is now available through KHS Bicycles, located in Rancho Dominguez, California, and QBP, located in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Video after the jump

Interbike 2013: Sony Looks For More Action

Sony has rolled into Vegas for this year’s Intebike with its newly announced Action Cam model – the HDR-AS30V – its ultra-compact point-of-view HD shooting solution. This camera comes with a ruggedized, waterproof housing and is 25 smaller than the previous model and even 35 percent lighter. The Action Cam now adds GPS, and can capture 11.9megapixel still photos as well as Interval Still Recording mode for time-lapse photography.

The Action Cam also offers built-in Wi-Fi so users can instantly share their Action Cam content to a smartphone or tablet for easy upload and also allows control of the camera with any compatible device, including the new Live-View Remote. There is even NFC one-touch connection support so you can get the camera going without needing and get back to the important stuff.

Sony’s HDR-AS30V is available through the Sony Store

Hammer on the Road

Hammering while riding means going all out and possibly a bit more, but the Hammerhead Navigation system could be a way to help you navigate streets and trails with ease. This compact, portable device affixes to the handlebar and guides you via an LED light array.

This system, which communicates with an Android or iOS app via Bluetooth Smart, provides turn-by-turn directions. This can include crowd sourced route suggestions offering the best possible options to get from point A to point B. It is even designed to work with bike share programs including Bixi and B-Cycle.

Hammerhead Navigation is now looking to Dragon Innovation to raise funding.

Hammerhead Dragon Innovation Site

Garmin Gets Going

Garmin has revolutionized the world of cycling computers with its GPS-enabled devices, and now the company could be looking to take on GoPro with two new full HD action cameras.

The VIRB and Wi-Fi-enabled/GPS-enabled VIRB Elite both feature a 1.4-inch display for watching those “dailies” while each unit can capture three hours of HD (1080p) footage on a single charge, and each can be used to capture 16megapixel still images as well.

The VIRB Elite adds the Wi-Fi and GPS functionality, allowing users to embed info on altitude, speed and location into their footage or connect wirelessly to an Android or iOS device. Both cameras will be ready to roll this fall.

Garmin VIRB Official Website

See Spot, See Spot Gen3

Globastar Inc. is on the spot with its new SPOT Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger device. This latest update offers a new form factor, extended battery life, new power options, and new upgraded tracking options with unlimited and extreme tracking- which allows users to choose the rate at which the tracking messages are sent.

It can send out a GPS waypoint every 2.5 minutes in the Extreme Tracking, while users can check with friends and family with a pre-programmed message. There is even the SOS option that can send out a GPS location to GEOS for search and rescue teams.

The Gen3 is very much on the SPOT.

SPOT Gen3 Official Website

Universal Mount Up

Tate Labs have followed up on their Bar Fly series of handlebar mounts for cycling computers with the new Universal Mount that can be used with a smartphone, GPS device, light or GoPro style rugged camera. The mount doesn’t actually include specific mounting hardware but instead offers a space on which to clamp the necessary accessory. It is a simple concept that could be truly universal.

[Via BikeRadar: Tate Labs Bar Fly Universal Mount – first look]

Taking the Edge for TT

Time trial and triathlon bikes are set up quite differently from road bikes, and this can make mounting a cycling computer a bit of an issue. Fortunately where there is a problem someone sets up with a solution. In this case it is K-Edge, which just announced the release of the TT Mount, which can accommodate Garmin’s ¼ turn interface and places the popular GPS cycling computer between the bar extensions, so riders can glance down and see the information and yet focus on the ride.

K-Edge Official Website

Echo Base

Magellan has long been there to help you find your way, and now the company has announced its first smart running watch. The Echo utilizes smartphone fitness apps and takes these to their full potential by wirelessly connecting it to your wrist. You can view and control the fitness app but keep the phone tucked away.

With the watch you can get data including distance, pace and heart rate sent straight to the wrist and not have to worry about dropping the phone. Video after the jump

Rand McNally Maps the Way

While the Rand McNally name likely evokes atlases and books, the company knows a thing or two about GPS as well. The Rand McNally Foris 850 is designed not to be read at a desk, but out on a trail or while on a bike. Out of the box it features more than five million miles of roads and trails preloaded onto the device.

These include trails in National and State parks and forests, rails-to-trails routes, and of course US street and contour maps. The rugged and waterproof Foris 850 features a three-inch anti-glare touchscreen, compass and altimeter. It runs on two AA batteries and it can go where the road or trail takes you. Video after the jump

TomTom Off and Running

Back in April TomTom announced its line of GPS sports watches and, and now these is ready for the wrist. The TomTom Runner and TomTom Multi-Sport offer extra-large displays, full-screen graphical training tools and one-button control for ease of use.

These both offer up to 10-hours of battery life and are waterproof to 50 meters. These also feature a scratch- and impact-resistant glass display that can handle some rugged workouts. The multi-sport model also adds an altimeter, swim motion sensor and bike mount along with bike cadence sensor. The TomTom Runner is $169.99 and the TomTom Multi-Sport is $199.99 and both are available now. Videos after the jump

Recon Takes Off Like a Jet

Recon Instruments have made a name for themselves in the world of heads-up displays (HUD) snow sports, but this year the company is looking to hit the road with the Recon Jet Pilot Edition. This special line of eyewear is designed for cyclists and triathletes, offering critical information including heart rate, cadence and power output and put it right in view. This can be supplied by third party devices through wireless connectivity via ANT+ and Bluetooth.

It also offers a comprehensive suite of on-board sensors and delivers a full portfolio of precision performance stats and data such as speed, pace, distance, time, vertical ascent and more.

The glasses include a 1 GHz dual core processor, dedicated graphics, Wi-Fi, ANT+, Bluetooth, GPS, HD camera, and a comprehensive suite of sensors making it a standalone computing solution, comparable in capability to a tablet or smartphone. The components of the HUD are distributed evenly across the eyewear, but add just 14grams to each side of the sunglasses. The display can be controlled by a precision optical touch-pad that supports multiple gesture controls and facilitates its use in all weather conditions, even with gloves on. Continue reading Recon Takes Off Like a Jet